Old Jewish Cemetery Prague Opening Hours Today and Visit Guide

The cemetery follows a seasonal schedule that changes throughout the year. Most visitors search for the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague opening hours today to avoid disappointment. Generally, the gates open at 9:00 AM every day except Saturday. During the summer months, the site usually closes at 6:00 PM. In the winter, the cemetery often closes earlier at 4:30 PM.

The cemetery is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that requires respect. It is strictly closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. It also closes during major Jewish religious holidays. You should always check the official Jewish Museum calendar before you arrive. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before the official closing time.

If you want to beat the crowds, arrive right at 9:00 AM. Large tour groups often arrive by mid-morning. Visiting late in the afternoon also offers a more peaceful experience. The light during the "golden hour" makes for beautiful photos of the gravestones. Remember that the cemetery is a place of rest and quiet reflection.

11 Must-See Highlights on a Jewish Quarter Josefov Tour

The Jewish Quarter is packed with history in a small area. Use this list to plan your route through Josefov. Here are the top sights to include in your itinerary:

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Old Jewish Cemetery
• Best for families: Spanish Synagogue
• Best rainy-day: Jewish Museum
• Best free sight: Franz Kafka Statue

1. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world. Best for: History buffs Where: Josefov Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in museum ticket Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro Tip: Look for the grave of Rabbi Loew.
2. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: experience Why go: It serves as a moving memorial to Holocaust victims. Best for: Reflection Where: Next to the cemetery Time: 30 minutes Cost: Part of combined ticket Getting there: Main entrance near the cemetery Tip: Read the names inscribed on the walls.
3. Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It features stunning Moorish-style architecture and gold decorations. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Vězeňská street Time: 40 minutes Cost: Part of combined ticket Getting there: 5-minute walk from the cemetery Tip: Attend an evening classical concert here.
4. Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This is Europe's oldest active synagogue, built in the 13th century. Best for: Religious history Where: Červená street Time: 30 minutes Cost: Separate or add-on ticket Getting there: Center of Josefov Tip: Men must wear a head covering inside.
5. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It houses a large exhibit on Jewish customs and traditions. Best for: Learning Where: Near cemetery exit Time: 30 minutes Cost: Part of combined ticket Getting there: Short walk from Pinkas Synagogue Tip: Great for understanding Jewish holiday rituals.
6. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It tells the story of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. Best for: General history Where: Maiselova street Time: 40 minutes Cost: Part of combined ticket Getting there: Near Staroměstská metro Tip: Check out the touch-screen displays.
7. Name: Jewish Ceremonial Hall Type: sight Why go: It shows the history of the Prague Burial Society. Best for: Cultural insight Where: Next to Klausen Synagogue Time: 20 minutes Cost: Part of combined ticket Getting there: Exit of the cemetery Tip: The building looks like a small stone castle.
8. Name: Franz Kafka Statue Type: sight Why go: A unique bronze sculpture of the famous Prague writer. Best for: Photos Where: Near Spanish Synagogue Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: On the street corner Tip: It is located right between a church and a synagogue.
9. Name: Pařížská Street Type: neighborhood Why go: This is the most luxurious shopping street in Prague. Best for: Window shopping Where: Borders the Jewish Quarter Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Runs from Old Town Square Tip: Look up at the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Type: day trip Why go: A world-famous medieval bridge with 30 statues. Best for: Views Where: 10-minute walk from Josefov Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk toward the river Tip: Visit at sunrise for the best experience.
11. Name: Prague Castle Type: day trip Why go: The largest ancient castle complex in the world. Best for: Full day trip Where: Across the river Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Paid entry for interiors Getting there: Take Tram 22 Tip: Watch the changing of the guard at noon.

Planning Your Jewish Museum in Prague Visit

Most of the sites mentioned above are part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can buy a combined ticket for easy access. This ticket covers the cemetery and most synagogues. The Old-New Synagogue often requires a separate entry fee. You can find ticket offices at several locations in the quarter.

For a better experience, consider visiting during the week. Sundays are often very busy with tourists. The official Visit Czechia portal recommends booking tours in advance. This helps you skip the long lines at the ticket counters. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on cobblestones.

Security is present at the entrance of most synagogues. You may need to pass through a metal detector. Avoid bringing large backpacks to the sites. Photography is allowed in the cemetery but restricted inside some synagogues. Always look for signs before taking photos of sacred items.

Famous Attractions Near the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is very close to other must-see places in Prague. You can walk to the Old Town Square in five minutes. There, you can see the famous Astronomical Clock. Many people combine a tour of Josefov with a visit to the riverfront. The views of the Vltava are beautiful in the evening.

If you have more time, consider visiting the Prague Castle complex on the same day. It is just a short tram ride or a scenic walk away. The Jewish Quarter is a great base for exploring. You will find many cafes and restaurants nearby for lunch. Try some traditional Czech food after your morning of history.